-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 53269
Checkout
The 1881 Great Britain Half Penny, cataloged as KM#754, is an important piece from the late Victorian era, issued during the reign of Queen Victoria. The half penny was a key denomination in British coinage, used extensively in everyday transactions. The 1881 issue represents one of the coins from the later years of Victoria’s reign, during a time when the British Empire was at the height of its global influence. This specific coin is graded as Red Brown (RB) in Uncirculated (UNC) condition, which means it retains much of its original mint luster, with a mix of the original red copper color and brown toning. In this high grade, the 1881 Half Penny is a valuable and collectible coin, offering both historical significance and beauty.
The obverse of the 1881 Half Penny features a portrait of Queen Victoria, facing left, with her hair tied in a bun and wearing a diadem. This depiction is known as the "Bun Head" design, which was used on British coinage from 1860 until 1894. The design was created by Leonard Charles Wyon, an engraver at the Royal Mint, and it became one of the most recognizable portraits of Victoria during her long reign. The inscription surrounding the portrait reads "VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG: F:D," which stands for "Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britons, Defender of the Faith." In UNC RB condition, the portrait of Victoria is sharp and well-preserved, with the details of her hair and diadem still crisp. The fields of the coin retain a mix of the original red copper hue and the darker brown toning that develops over time, giving the coin an attractive and dynamic appearance.
The reverse of the 1881 Half Penny features a seated figure of Britannia, the personification of Britain, holding a trident in her left hand and a shield in her right. Britannia is seated facing right, with the sea and a ship visible to her left, symbolizing Britain’s naval power and its status as a dominant global force. Below Britannia is the denomination "HALF PENNY," and the date "1881" is placed at the bottom of the coin. The reverse design, like the obverse, was created by Leonard Charles Wyon and continued the long tradition of featuring Britannia on British coinage. In UNC RB condition, the reverse is particularly striking, with the intricate details of Britannia’s gown, trident, and shield remaining sharp and well-defined. The original mint luster on the reverse is also preserved, with a pleasing blend of red and brown tones that enhance the coin’s eye appeal.
The 1881 Half Penny was struck at the Royal Mint, the official mint of the United Kingdom, which had been producing coins for centuries. By the late 19th century, the Royal Mint was a highly efficient and technologically advanced facility, producing large quantities of coinage for circulation throughout the British Empire. The Half Penny was a critical denomination in British commerce, as it was used for small transactions and was widely circulated. Despite being a relatively low-value coin, the craftsmanship and attention to detail in its design reflect the high standards of the Royal Mint during this period. The "Bun Head" portrait of Queen Victoria and the traditional Britannia reverse are emblematic of Victorian-era coinage and represent the strength and stability of the British Empire during her reign.
The mintage of the 1881 Half Penny was relatively high, as the coin was intended for wide circulation. However, finding examples in Uncirculated condition, especially with the desirable Red Brown designation, is relatively uncommon. Many of these coins were used heavily in commerce, leading to significant wear over time. As a result, higher-grade examples like this UNC RB coin are highly sought after by collectors. The Red Brown (RB) designation refers to the presence of both the original red copper luster and some brown toning that has developed naturally over time. This combination of colors adds to the coin’s aesthetic appeal, making it more desirable than fully brown coins of the same issue.
In UNC RB condition, the 1881 Half Penny retains much of its original beauty and detail. The portrait of Queen Victoria on the obverse is well-preserved, with no major signs of wear or damage. The reverse, featuring Britannia, is equally sharp, with all of the intricate details of her figure and the surrounding elements clearly visible. The coin’s Red Brown luster adds to its overall appeal, giving it a rich and dynamic appearance that is especially attractive to collectors. This high level of preservation makes the 1881 Half Penny a standout example of Victorian-era copper coinage.
The 1881 Great Britain Half Penny KM#754 RB UNC is a valuable and historically significant coin, representing a key period in British history. Queen Victoria’s reign was one of the longest in British history, and coins from this era are highly collectible due to their connection to the height of the British Empire. The "Bun Head" portrait of Victoria and the traditional Britannia reverse are iconic designs that reflect the strength and stability of Britain during the late 19th century. For collectors of British or Victorian-era coinage, the 1881 Half Penny in UNC RB condition is a prized addition, offering both historical importance and exceptional visual appeal.